An 85-year-old Angus musician has appealed for thieves to return his beloved instrument ahead of a major show.
Ernie Gerrard a member of Arbroath Instrumental Band for over 60 years had his £1000 silver-plated brass cornet stolen from the street around 7pm on Monday while he was waiting to be picked up for band practice.
The band is preparing for a gala concert at the Webster Memorial Theatre on September 2 and Mr Gerrard hopes the cornet will be returned to him in time.
But the determined musical veteran has vowed the show will go on regardless.
He had placed his blue gig bag containing his cornet on the ground at the junction of East Abbey Street and Abbot Street, as he walked back and forth. He rounded the corner for a last time and saw the cornet had gone.
Mr Gerrard said: “Every Monday and Thursday my pal comes to pick me up. I always go out a few minutes early so he’s not waiting.
“I put the bag down because I was carrying some other things as well. I walked up to the corner to see if the car was coming. Then I saw the car coming, turned round and the cornet was gone.
“I couldn’t believe it there was not a soul in sight.”ReportHe said there was no one around at the time and he did not see who took it.
Mr Gerrard and his friend went to the police station to report the theft. He then went back to his house and dusted off his old cornet so he could take part in the practice session.
He said: “I’ve got an old one I’ve had for about 40 years. The bandmaster said he would get another one for me if I am stuck.
“I’d been playing the cornet that was stolen for a couple of years. I bought a new £500 mouthpiece and the bag that was stolen cost £500 as well.
“I’d got used to playing that one so it took time to adjust to the old one.
“It was in my gig bag which is the same shape as the cornet so they would have known what they were taking. It’s really disappointing but I’m hoping I’ll be able to get it back before the show.Reunite”I just hope the person who took it will hand it back so I can play it again.”
Mr Gerrard performed as the band came first at the Scottish Brass Band Championships and at the Fife Brass Festival in 2009.
Police are keen to reunite the instrument with Mr Gerrard and band members and friends are also keeping their eyes peeled in case it turns up for sale online or on the high street.
Mr Gerrard said: “Someone must know who took the cornet. Hopefully the publicity will help and the police will find it.
“But if I don’t get the cornet back I’ll just perform at the gala concert with my old one the show must go on.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 0300 111 2222.